Choose Self Care for Life: Choose the Pharmacist for
expert health advice
It’s Self Care Week 2018 (12 – 18 November) and NHS Lambeth
CCG wants to remind you of the health expert on the High Street – the community
pharmacist.
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who give
advice and recommend treatments for self treatable conditions such as coughs,
colds, sprains and strains.
Vanessa
Burgess, Chief Pharmacist at NHS Lambeth CCG said:
“People go to the doctor with common ailments because they are unsure how long
symptoms last and need reassurance that it isn’t anything more serious.
Instead of waiting for an appointment at your surgery, consider going to your
local pharmacist first.
“Pharmacists will help you choose the right treatment for
your ailment and can explain the normal duration of symptoms. They can also
offer you help to stop smoking, manage your weight, and can often provide flu
jabs and blood pressure checks. Many pharmacies also have private consulting
rooms.
“If you have a cold or flu virus it is worth remembering
that antibiotics won’t help. In fact, taking them can reduce their effectiveness
when they’re needed for ailments they can help with.’’
If you have a long term condition and are worried how common
ailments may be affecting you, or if you want advice on managing your
medicines, visit your pharmacist first.
Save yourself the time and bother of booking a GP
appointment or visiting A&E. Choose to feel confident about managing your
health and take a trip to your local pharmacist. Choose self care for life.
Find out more here.